Visitors' comments

Keys to History

Throughout the 1920s and 1930s, the British Columbia Electric Railway Co. issued pamphlets that urged people to use streetcars to get to wilderness destinations. This detailed map showed passengers how the Lonsdale Avenue line linked to trails on Grouse Mountain, while the Capilano line led to the hotels, teahouses and suspension bridge, and the Lynn Valley route ended at Lynn Valley Park and hooked up with trails to the Seymour peaks. Besides detailed ferry and streetcar timetables, the pamphlets also offered hiking tips that are still just as appropriate today as they were then, urging adventurers to wear "well-nailed boots," to hike in groups of at least three, to inform somebody of the route and expected return time, and to stay put in a conspicuous place in case of disorientation. Every year, hikers still get lost on the North Shore mountains, often in areas that can be seen from the city.

What

This map was featured in a brochure titled North Shore Hikes. Published by the British Columbia Electric Railway Co., it promoted the company's streetcar routes.

Where

The map shows the company's streetcar routes on the North Shore, and their connection to trails and major attractions in the mountains.

When

The brochure was published in September of 1935. It was available free at the BC Electric Information Bureau at Vancouver's Carrall Street Station, or mailed out on request by the publicity department.

Who

Noted British Columbian architect Henry Blackadder drew this map; he also designed numerous Tudor- and Craftsman-style homes in North Vancouver.